Sprouting ~ An Introduction

“The health of the physical body should be the concern of every aspirant to the higher life. Spiritual evolution requires refinement of man’s vehicles. In order to attain purification of the physical organism, the body must be provided with proper nutrition.”

While reading through various books, magazines and articles on the internet I have come across the healing properties, importance of, and complete joy of growing sprouts.

Sprouts * Sprouts * Sprouts

All different kinds!!!

Why is the importance of SPROUTS?

Sprouts are very nutritious because they contain all elements a plant needs for life and growth. The endosperm of the seed is the storehouse of carbohydrates, protein, and oil. When the seed germinates, these become predigested amino acids and natural sugars upon which the plant embryo feeds as it grows to maturity. When used as food, the life force is released and supplies the energy which is capable of generating healthy cells in the body and supplying us with new vigor and life.

What are their healing properties?

Sprouts can retard the aging process, since they contain ample amounts of male and female hormones, available in their most assimilable form. Research shows that sprouts are highest in vitamin and mineral content. Sprouts should occupy a prominent place in the diet. A seed sprouted increases their nutritional value many times over.

Not only are sprouts healthy, they bring immediate beauty to your day!! Who doesn’t need beauty and love????

JOIN THE RAFFLE AND ADD HEALTH TO YOUR LIFE!!!

You can See the Original Posting here!

There are two types of sprouts…

SEEDS – contain a great deal of phosphorous, an important mineral for spiritual aspirants, who want to increase their alertness and mental abilities. Phosphorous is also necessary for healthy bones and teeth, a fact which makes sprouted seeds desirable for babies and children.  Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin B and D and all the essential amino acids. Sesame seeds are a rich source of calcium, iron, phosphorous, niacin, and protein.

GRAINS – These sprouts contain vitamins C, E, B complex, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, protein, enzymes, chlorophyll, and possibly B-17. (In its cooked form, wheat is unacceptable to some individuals, causing mucus congestion, allergic reaction, and constipation. In its sprouted form, a large portion of starch is converted to simple sugars, making it a wholesome food acceptable to many who would otherwise need to eliminate wheat as a food source). Buckwheat, a food rich in lecithin and rutin.

So there you have it!  A little bit of info on sprouting.  I will continue to post information about sprouting as time goes on.  I will be sprouting Sunflower Seeds and Peas first.  (If possible I will do a time lapse viewing of the sunflower sprouts.)  Wouldn’t that be cool?!  I just have to figure out this entire camera thing.  Technology! Technology!

Thanks for reading!!!

Namaste!

Nut Milk

I thought I would begin posting some food facts and recipes, since I have completed Part 1 & 2 of a multiple part posting series I am working on.

I am working in a “Series Frame of Mind” to help with the consistent reprogramming I have been working on.  I began with the Parasite Cleanse.  I will now begin cleansing all other organs. Although I thought I would begin the complete organ cleanse system as soon as I finished my parasite cleanse I decided to wait 2 weeks and then begin this new cleansing system.

I felt it was important to both learn and supply my body with the vitamins and minerals essential to the Vegan/Vegetarian Diet.  The last two postings are about B-12, Omega-3, Calcium and Vitamin D.

I will now post some Nut Milk recipes and cover what vitamins and minerals they include by each nut.

BASIC NUT RECIPE

The basic nut recipe is a basic ratio of 2:1.

(2 cups water to 1 cup soaked nuts)

Preparation: Blend the nuts/seeds and water in a high-speed blender until liquefied and smooth.

Pour the milk through a nut bag, through a fine mesh sieve, or through cheese clothe.  Place over a large bowl to strain out the pulp. Strain the nut milk once through a nut bag, twice through a sieve or cheese cloth.

RAW CASHEWS-(per 100g)

Minerals
Calcium	37 mg	3.7%
Copper	2.195 mg	244%
Iron	6.68 mg	83.5%
Magnesium	292 mg	73%
Manganese	1.655 mg	72%
Phosphorus	593 mg	85%
Selenium	19.9 mcg	36%
Zinc	5.78 mg	52.5%

Vitamins
Folates	25 mcg	6%
Niacin	1.062 mg	6.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.864 mg	17%
Pyridoxine	0.417 mg	32%
Riboflavin	0.058 mg	4.5%
Thiamin	0.423 mg	35%
Vitamin A	0 IU	0%
Vitamin C	0.5	1%
Vitamin E-γ	5.31 mg	35%
Vitamin K	34.1	28%

Cashew nuts are very rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Eat just a handful of cashew nuts every day to avoid minerals deficiencies. Selenium is an important micro-nutrient which functions as co-factor for antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione peroxidases, one of the most powerful antioxidant in the body. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as co-factors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.

RAW ALMOND-(per 100g)

Vitamins
Folates	50 mcg	12.5%
Niacin	3.385 mg	21%
Pantothenic acid	0.47 mg	9%
Pyridoxine	0.143 mg	11%
Riboflavin	1.014 mg	78%
Thiamin	0.211 mg	16%
Vitamin A	1 IU	0%
Vitamin C	0	0%
Vitamin E	26 mg	173%

Minerals
Calcium	264 mg	26%
Copper	0.996 mg	110%
Iron	3.72 mg	46.5%
Magnesium	268 mg	67%
Manganese	2.285 mg	99%
Phosphorus	484 mg	69%
Selenium	2.5 mcg	4.5%
Zinc	3.08 mg	28%

Almonds are especially, rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and palmitoleic acids that help to lower LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increase HDL or “good cholesterol”.  The nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E; contain about 25 g per100 g (about 170% of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.

RAW MACADAMIA NUTS

Vitamins
Folates	11 mcg	3%
Niacin	2.473 mg	15%
Pantothenic acid	0.758 mg	15%
Pyridoxine	0.275 mg	21%
Riboflavin	0.162 mg	12%
Thiamin	1.195 mg	100%
Vitamin A	0 IU	0%
Vitamin C	1.2 mg	2%
Vitamin E	0.24 mg	1.5%

Minerals
Calcium	85 mg	8.5%
Copper	0.756 mg	84%
Iron	3.69 mg	46%
Magnesium	130 mg	32.5%
Manganese	4.131 mg	180%
Phosphorus	188 mg	27%
Selenium	3.6 mcg	6.5%
Zinc	1.30 mg	11%

Macadamia Nuts are excellent source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. 100 g nuts provide 3.6 mcg of selenium. Selenium is cardio-protective and an important anti-oxidant cofactor for glutathione peroxidase enzyme.  The nuts also contain small amounts of vitamin-C, vitamin E. Both these fat soluble vitamins are potent anti-oxidant activities which serve to protect cell membranes and DNA from harmful oxygen free radicals.

Vegan/Vegetarian Needs – Part One

Although it has been a few days since I last posted, I am still here!

I am aiming for “Optimum Health” these days.

Reading, Researching and Absorbing all the information I can on the vitamins and minerals necessary to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.

I have read many an article regarding what a plant based diet offers and does not offer nutritionally.

For instance:  The statement regarding Vegans being B12 deficient.  -or- Questions like “Do I still need to take supplements if I am a vegetarian or a vegan?

So many people go along in life and don’t think about what the issues this crazy Standard American Diet holds for our bodies in the future.  At least until the diagnosis tells us we have high cholesterol or diabetes or any of the other health issues that exist in our society. (Cancer, Strokes, Heart Disease, etc.)

B-12

I will begin with B12 and continue covering various vitamins and minerals until we are done learning and adding to our wonderful temples of life.

I have said again and again in this blog that our body is our temple.  Making sure we get proper nutrition into our bodies is much like adding gardens, pools, beautiful decor, etc. to the temple.  To make us the most supreme beautiful beings that walk the face of the earth in this time.  As humanity continues and flourishes we will learn more and more about the things nature provides for our bodies – Naturally!

There are no reliable, unfortified plant sources of vitamin B12*; therefore fortified foods and/or supplements are necessary for the optimal health of vegans and even vegetarians in many cases. Luckily, vitamin B12 is made by bacterial fermentation such that no animal foods are necessary to provide it.

There are two types of B12 deficiency: overt and mild.

Overt vitamin B12 deficiency:

B12 protects the nervous system. Without it, permanent damage can result (e.g., blindness, deafness, dementia). Fatigue, and tingling in the hands or feet, can be early signs of deficiency. B12 also keeps the digestive system healthy and an overt deficiency can cause digestive problems. (IBS? Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis? Crohns Disease?)

Mild vitamin B12 deficiency:

By lowering homocysteine levels, B12 reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other diseases. Vegans and near-vegans who do not supplement with vitamin B12 have consistently shown elevated homocysteine levels.

From 1999 to 2003, there were many studies comparing the homocysteine levels of vegans and vegetarians who do not supplement their diet with vitamin B12 to those of non-vegetarians. In every study, the vegans or vegetarians had higher homocysteine levels than the meat-eaters and in the range associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

In contrast, one study compared vegans who supplemented their diets with vitamin B12 (an average of 5.6 mcg/day) with non-vegetarians. Their homocysteine levels were the same, and well within the healthy range.

It is true that many vegans do not supplement with B12 and remain apparently healthy for many years. These vegans normally have no idea what their homocysteine levels are, nor what chronic diseases such elevated levels might be causing. They also do not know if they are suffering from unnoticeable nerve damage. You are taking a big chance by assuming you have transcended a need for a typical B12 intake.

As people live longer, homocysteine has more years to cause damage to the body. Because of this, the human need for B12 has increased over time. The longer a vegan does not supplement with B12, the lower their active B12 levels will drop, increasing their homocysteine levels.

What Is Homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood (plasma) is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Other evidence suggests that homocysteine may have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots. However, a direct causal link hasn’t been established.

Plasma homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by diet, as well as by genetic factors. The dietary components with the greatest effects are folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. Folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body. Several studies have found that higher blood levels of B vitamins are related, at least partly, to lower concentrations of homocysteine. Other recent evidence shows that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke. (YIKES!)

Omega -3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for preventing heart disease, depression, and possibly other problems. There are three important omega-3 fatty acids:

ALA – alpha-linolenic acid; found in a wide range of foods (ALA is a short chain (18 carbon) fatty acid. It is found in small amounts in animal flesh, in very small amounts in a variety of plant products, and in relatively large amounts in soy, walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds and their oil, hempseed oil, camelina oil, and chia seed oil. The human body cannot make its own ALA – it must be obtained through the diet.)

EPA – eicosapentaenoic acid; found mainly in fish. (EPA is a long chain (20 carbon) fatty acid. It is found mostly in fatty fish, in small amounts in eggs, and in very small amounts in seaweed. Some EPA is converted into series 3 eicosanoids which can reduce blood clotting, inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The human body can produce EPA out of ALA and out of DHA.)

DHA – docosahexaenoic acid; found mainly in fish and seaweed (DHA is a long chain (22 carbon) fatty acid. It is found mostly in fatty fish, in small amounts in eggs, and in very small amounts in seaweed. It is a major component of the gray matter of the brain, and also found in the retina, testis, sperm, and cell membranes. Low levels of DHA have been associated with depression, and high levels and intake are associated with lower rates of heart disease.)

The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA. ALA is efficiently converted to EPA, but it may require large amounts of ALA to produce optimal amounts of DHA. Recent evidence has raised a potential concern that large amounts of ALA could be harmful to the eyes over the long term.

Without diet planning, vegans and vegetarians have low omega-3 intakes and blood levels. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans should moderately supplement with sources of ALA and also supplement with DHA.

Examples:

Daily Recommendations

1. 200 – 300 mg DHA

2. Do not prepare food with oils high in omega-6 (corn, soy, safflower, sunflower, “vegetable,” sesame oil). Instead, use low omega-6 oils like olive, avocado, peanut, or canola. Only cook canola under low heat and for short periods.

3. Add 0.5 g of uncooked ALA to your diet daily. This would be the equivalent of:

1/5 oz English* walnuts (3 halves)
1/4 tsp of flaxseed oil
1 tsp of canola oil
1 tsp ground flaxseeds

*English walnuts are the typical walnuts for sale in grocery stores. They are distinct from black walnuts

Just as you must constantly be preparing for your next meal when on the RAW FOOD DIET, you must always be thinking of your body.  Is it getting all that it needs for Optimum Health?

More tomorrow!

Namaste!

*VeganHealth.org

#International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids

Day 2 of 30 – 28 to go!

These are the smoothies I am going to prepare for tomorrow.  Today I have tried the recipes on the previous day’s posting.

I plan on having 4 – 5 smoothies a day and then having 1 raw meal a day.  Today’s meal is the Thai soup and tomorrow is the Kale Yummo Salad.  This recipe is here.

Kale Orange Smoothie
1 bunch dino kale
2 oranges
6 strawberries
1 cup of grapes

Kale-Strawberry-Peach (Unable to make since there are no peaches in season.  I thought I would leave this recipe anyway.
1 bunch green kale
1 pint strawberries
3 small peaches
2 cups water

Peach-Spinach (Unable to make since there are no peaches in season.  I thought I would leave this recipe anyway.
6 peaches
2 handfuls of spinach leaves
2 cups water

Apple-Kale-Lemon
4 apples
½ lemon juice
5 leaves of kale
2 cups water

Pear-Kale-Mint
4 ripe pears
5 leaves of kale
½ bunch of mint
2 cups water

Strawberry-Banana-Romaine
1 cup strawberries
2 bananas
½ bunch romaine
2 cups water

These recipes are from the website green diva mom.

My body is sore from the Sun Salutations kick off yesterday, but I will do them again today.  I think I am also going to put together an evening series of yoga poses so I can relax in the evening.  The other person who was going to do the cleanse has backed out.

A few pains that I have are: my left knee, my feet, my right ankle feels like it wants to pop or crack like a knuckle sometimes, itchy eyes in the evening before bed and a small rash on my neck.

I have two businesses and end up on my feet a lot.  I think I will need to make a complete career change on one end.  I will never give up my cooking and yoga however.  That is the primary business I have had since I was 22.

Well I will update with pictures and information tomorrow.  Just a lot of gurgling in my stomach for now.

Green is Queen! :)

I once cooked for a client who was deathly afraid of vegetables!  He kept telling me he was a vegetarian but he didn’t like vegetables?  I couldn’f figure it out?  What did he eat?  His favorite vegetable was a french fry and his favorite vegetarian meal was a cheese pizza.  Needless to say he didn’t stay a client for very long.  My menu was far to vegetable based for this vegetarian!

There are many types of greens we can feed our body.

Greens are in various catergories for various reasons.  There are the greens we eat as Salad.  The darker the greens the better!  A variety of Baby Lettuces, Romaine, Escarole to name a few.  And then there are the greens we lightly, steam, saute, boil or bake depending on the dish.  These are usually greens like collard, chard, kale, mustard, and beet.

Unfortunatly the avarage person is either afraid of the mere appearance of something green on their plate or just plain out freaked that a vegetable is on their plate.

Greens are soo GOOD for you.  They are  a POWERHOUSE of vitamins & minerals!  Dark green leafy vegetables are, calorie for calorie, perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins.

They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.  There is also Vitamin K.  A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own.

Phytonutrients in the bloodstream are on constant patrol looking out for bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, toxins, cellular debris, pollutants and industrial chemicals–eliminating these toxic accumulated chemicals before you even know they are there.

Vitamain K, a fat soluble vitamin, plays an important role inside the body. It helps bones absorb and retain calcium. Studies have shown that a diet rich in vitamin K can prevent bone fractures in women. It can also aid in blood clotting and prevent excessive bruising. Few studies have been done on vitamin K, but those that have been carried out suggest it kills cancer cells.

Since Vitamin K is fat soluble, it must be used with flax seed oil, hemp seed oil and other natural cold pressed oils when used for a salad dressing.  When lightly cooking your greens use olive oil, grapeseed oil or maybe a walnut oil.

Note on oxalates: Some greens contain substances called oxalates which may bind some percentage of the calcium in the greens.

Eat lots of greens!  Here is a recipe for one of my favorite easy dishes to serve at home!

(Pictured Above)

2 bunches of greens (Collards, Kale, Chard) Chopped

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 brown onion chopped

1 splash olive oil

1 cup prepared buckwheat, quinoa, millet

Bragg Liquid Aminos

Sesame Oil or Truffle Oil

Sesame Seeds (Optional)

Preparation:  Heat oil about 2 min with onions.  Add garlic once onions are translucent.  Saute for about 2 more minutes.  Add greens.  Lightly stir the greens carefully in the pan.  After about 3 minutes the dish is done.  Divide grain on two plates  and serve with greens on top!  Put a splash of Bragg Liquid Aminos on each plate and a splash of Sesame seed oil or truffle oil! MMMMMmmmm!

Enjoy!

For a RAW RECIPE go to this post for a wonderful KALE YUMMO SALAD!